Theta Phi Alpha
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Theta Phi Alpha (ΘΦΑ) women's Fraternity was founded at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor on August 30, 1912. Theta Phi Alpha is one of 26 national sororities recognized in the National Panhellenic Conference. Originally a Catholic sorority, Theta Phi Alpha has opened its doors to women of all faiths and celebrate a proud tradition of religious diversity amongst its members.
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[edit] History
In early 1909 the organization, originally Omega Upsilon, was started as a sorority for Catholic women. Father Edward D. Kelly was the pastor of the student chapel at the university and saw a need for Catholic women to have a place to for socialization and friendship. At the time, other sororities on campus openly discriminated against Catholic women and would not welcome them into their organizations.
By the Spring of 1912, Omega Upsilon was failing financially and membership was low. Kelly, now the Bishop of Grand Rapids, requested the assistance of Amelia McSweeney who graduated from the University in 1898. Amelia and other alumni of Omega Upsilon began actively to redesign the failing sorority.
Throughout the summer of 1912, Amelia McSweeney, seven other alumnae, and two undergraduate women worked tirelessly, meeting at the home of Dorothy and Katrina Caughey, to prepare the plans for the new organization. May C. Ryan contributed the name, motto, and original coat of arms, and the membership selected the Fraternity's flower, jewels, and colors.
Two undergraduate members of Omega Upsilon became members of Theta Phi Alpha. They were Eva Stroh, a sophomore, and Otilia Leuchtweis, a senior, who became Theta Phi Alpha's first Chapter President. Plans for the coming school year were completed on August 30, 1912, and Theta Phi Alpha began operation on the campus of the University of Michigan.
Otilia and Eva, the undergraduate members, proved an enthusiastic team. During the first week, they pledged Kathlyn Holmes, Theta Phi Alpha's first pledge sister, and Marie Sullivan. With the aid of the alumnae, they held their first initiation on November 16, 1912.
[edit] Founders
Theta Phi Alpha reveres these ten women as the Founders:
- Dorothy Caughey Phalan
- Katrina Caughey Ward
- Mildred Connely
- Selma Gilday
- Otilia Leuchtweis O'Hara
- Amelia McSweeney
- Camilla Ryan Sutherland
- Helen Ryan Quinlan
- May C. Ryan
- Eva Stroh Bauer Everson
[edit] Philanthropy
The Founders' Foundation of Theta Phi Alpha oversees the organization's philanthropic causes. Theta Phi Alpha nationally supports Glenmary Lay Missioners and The House That Theta Phi Alpha Built. Glenmary's work is in depressed rural areas of the United States, primarily in the Appalachian Mountains, where they distribute food, clothing, and books to needy persons, and assist in providing medical care, job training and tutoring. The House That Theta Phi Alpha Built is Theta Phi Alpha's newest philanthropic cause, established in 1993. The common goal through The House is to improve the plight of the homeless in any way. The chapter can seek to provide assistance to organizations that help the homeless, shelters, home building or neighborhood revitalization projects. This goal permits all Theta Phi Alphas to help those in need in their own community, while remaining united in our aim and purpose. Theta Phis also actively support Camp Friendship.
[edit] Badge and motto
The badge is a gold letter "Theta" set with pearls, superimposed upon plain gold letters "Phi" and "Alpha." The badge of Theta Phi Alpha is worn only by initiated members and is at once a means of identification and a source of pride to the wearer. The Fraternity badge is to be worn over the heart and is always placed above any other piece of jewelry.
Upon death of a member, her badge is either sent to the Fraternity's archives or buried with her. Each member has the responsibility to see that her family knows of these alternatives, and should arrange to have one or the other followed at her death.
Theta Phi Alpha recognizes Saint Catherine of Siena as the patroness. Her motto, "Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring," is the sorority's official motto. The Siena Medal, awarded by the fraternity, is the highest award given to a non-member of Theta Phi Alpha. Because of the deep respect and reverence for Saint Catherine, her feast day, April 29, is used to celebrate the sorority's founding because the original date, August 30, frequently does not fall within the academic year and most universities.
[edit] Creed
The creed of Theta Phi Alpha is important to its members as a foundation of the sisterhood. The ideals of the sisters of Theta Phi Alpha are expressed in the creed.
- Justice to each fellow man
- Wisdom in each deed and plan
- Loyalty to every friend
- Faith that sorrow can transcend
- Truth to God and truth to self
- Honor valued over wealth
- This is the creed that in us lies
- The creed of loyal Theta Phis
- The white rose for its purity
- The sapphire blue for loyalty
- The compass for its needle sure
- That holds our course firm and secure
- The silver for a precious faith
- That knows no end not even death
- This is the creed that in us lies
- The creed of loyal Theta Phis
[edit] Siena Medal
The Siena Medal is an award given by Theta Phi Alpha. The medal is the highest honor the organization bestows upon a non-member and is named after Saint Catherine of Siena.
Some Past Recipients of the Sienna Medal:
- Helen Constance White (1944)
- Sister Ignatia Gavin (1954)
[edit] External link
